On Monday, June 10, 2019, Delbert “Ray” Peterson passed away at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Ray was born on July 13, 1947, in Ames, Iowa to Delbert and Annie (Creel) Peterson. He grew up in Ames and attended the Ames Schools. Ray met the love of his life Bonnie Brown through friends while in high school. Following high school, he went on to obtain his Associate’s Degree from DMACC. Ray and Bonnie were married on February 15, 1968.
Ray was drafted in 1969, serving in the Army from 1969 to 1971. He was stationed in Missouri while on active duty. During his time in Missouri, the couple was blessed with a son and upon return to Iowa, they settled in Gilbert and had two daughters.
Ray went to work for Whatoff’s Motor Co. After his time at Whatoff’s he was employed with Industrial Processing, which evolved into Custom Steel. Ray was with Custom Steel for over 40 years becoming the owner in 2010. He worked as much as his illness allowed, and never officially retired.
As a child, Ray had quite the array of pets: nanny goat, chipmunk, mynah bird, owl, fish, and many dogs and cats. His love of animals carried with him throughout his life.
Ray was a large man with a large presence. He had multiple hobbies including boxing and playing the accordion. Even as young boy, Ray loved anything that moved beginning with his model airplanes, trains and unicycle which grew to his love of go carts, antique cars, boats, and airplanes. He even owned and piloted his own plane. He crafted beautiful items from wood often signing them with love notes. Ray enjoyed fishing and his firearms and motorcycles, taking numerous trips to Sturgis through the years.
Ray will be remembered by those who knew him for his opinionated but charming attitude. Ray was a man of faith and achieved excellence in his many hobbies and passions. Above all, he will be remembered for his kind heart, his willingness to help, and his complete devotion to his family.
Ray was preceded in death by his father; Delbert Peterson, sister; Patricia Brewster and granddaughter; Alissa Peterson.
He is survived by his wife; Bonnie Peterson, son; Lonnie (Sheila) Peterson and their children; Levi and Piper, daughters; Jolene (Glenn) Meythaler and their children; Ashleigh, Jesse, Gavin, and Brendan; Jennifer (Randy) Tomlinson and their children; Taylor, Trenton and Lilianna, sister; Jo Ann (Craig) Hinson, and his mother; Annie Peterson, as well as nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.
